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Dharshini SAP, Jemimah S, Taguchi YH, Gromiha MM. Exploring Common Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative Disorders Using Transcriptome Study. Front Genet 2021; 12:639160. [PMID: 33815473 PMCID: PMC8017312 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.639160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are well-known neuronal degenerative disorders that share common pathological events. Approved medications alleviate symptoms but do not address the root cause of the disease. Energy dysfunction in the neuronal population leads to various pathological events and ultimately results in neuronal death. Identifying common therapeutic targets for these disorders may help in the drug discovery process. The Brodmann area 9 (BA9) region is affected in both the disease conditions and plays an essential role in cognitive, motor, and memory-related functions. Analyzing transcriptome data of BA9 provides deep insights related to common pathological pathways involved in AD and PD. In this work, we map the preprocessed BA9 fastq files generated by RNA-seq for disease and control samples with reference hg38 genomic assembly and identify common variants and differentially expressed genes (DEG). These variants are predominantly located in the 3' UTR (non-promoter) region, affecting the conserved transcription factor (TF) binding motifs involved in the methylation and acetylation process. We have constructed BA9-specific functional interaction networks, which show the relationship between TFs and DEGs. Based on expression signature analysis, we propose that MAPK1, VEGFR1/FLT1, and FGFR1 are promising drug targets to restore blood-brain barrier functionality by reducing neuroinflammation and may save neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Akila Parvathy Dharshini
- Protein Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Sherlyn Jemimah
- Protein Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Y H Taguchi
- Department of Physics, Chuo University, Hachioji, Japan
| | - M Michael Gromiha
- Protein Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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Bettcher BM, Kramer JH. Inflammation and clinical presentation in neurodegenerative disease: a volatile relationship. Neurocase 2013; 19:182-200. [PMID: 22515699 PMCID: PMC3733377 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2011.654227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
A proposed immune mechanism that potentially modifies or exacerbates neurodegenerative disease presentation in older adults has received considerable attention in the past decade, with recent studies demonstrating a strong link between pro-inflammatory markers and neurodegeneration. The overarching aim of the following review is to synthesize recent research that supports a possible relationship between inflammation and clinical features of neurodegenerative diseases, including risk of development, cognitive and clinical correlates, and progression of the specified diseases. Specific emphasis is placed on providing a temporal context for the association between inflammation and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Magouirk Bettcher
- Neurology Department, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-1207, USA.
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Al Nimer F, Ström M, Lindblom R, Aeinehband S, Bellander BM, Nyengaard JR, Lidman O, Piehl F. Naturally occurring variation in the Glutathione-S-Transferase 4 gene determines neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 18:784-94. [PMID: 22881716 PMCID: PMC3555113 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2011.4440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Genetic factors are important for outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI), although exact knowledge of relevant genes/pathways is still lacking. We here used an unbiased approach to define differentially activated pathways between the inbred DA and PVG rat strains. The results prompted us to study further if a naturally occurring genetic variation in glutathione-S-transferase alpha 4 (Gsta4) affects the outcome after TBI. RESULTS Survival of neurons after experimental TBI is increased in PVG compared to the DA strain. Global expression profiling analysis shows the glutathione metabolism pathway to be the most regulated between the strains, with increased Gsta4 in PVG among top regulated transcripts. A congenic strain (R5) with a PVG genomic insert containing the Gsta4 gene on DA background displays a reversal of the strain pattern for Gsta4 expression and increased survival of neurons compared to DA. Gsta4 is known to effectively reduce 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a noxious by-product of lipid peroxidation. Immunostaining of 4-HNE was evident in both rat and human TBI. Intracerebral injection of 4-HNE resulted in neurodegeneration with increased levels of a marker for nerve injury in cerebrospinal fluid of DA compared to R5. INNOVATION These findings provide strong support for the notion that the inherent capability of coping with increased 4-HNE after TBI affects outcome in terms of nerve cell loss. CONCLUSION A naturally occurring variation in Gsta4 expression in rats affects neurodegeneration after TBI. Further studies are needed to explore if genetic variability in Gsta4 can be associated to outcome also in human TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiez Al Nimer
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Strain influences on inflammatory pathway activation, cell infiltration and complement cascade after traumatic brain injury in the rat. Brain Behav Immun 2013; 27:109-22. [PMID: 23044177 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that genetic background affects outcome of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Still, there is limited detailed knowledge on what pathways/processes are affected by genetic heterogeneity. The inbred rat strains DA and PVG differ in neuronal survival following TBI. We here carried out global expressional profiling to identify differentially regulated pathways governing the response to an experimental controlled brain contusion injury. One of the most differentially regulated molecular networks concerned immune cell trafficking. Subsequent characterization of the involved cells using flow cytometry demonstrated greater infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes, as well as a higher degree of microglia activation in DA compared to PVG rats. In addition, DA rats displayed a higher number of NK cells and a higher ratio of CD161bright compared to CD161dim NK cells. Local expression of complement pathway molecules such as C1 and C3 was higher in DA and both the key complement component C3 and membrane-attack complex (MAC) could be demonstrated on axons and nerve cells. A stronger activation of the complement system in DA was associated with higher cerebrospinal fluid levels of neurofilament-light, a biomarker for nerve/axonal injury. In summary, we demonstrate substantial differences between DA and PVG rats in activation of inflammatory pathways; in particular, immune cell influx and complement activation associated with neuronal/axonal injury after TBI. These findings suggest genetic influences acting on inflammatory activation to be of importance in TBI and motivate further efforts using experimental forward genetics to identify genes/pathways that affect outcome.
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Konradi C, Daws SE, Clay HB. Mitochondria, oligodendrocytes and inflammation in bipolar disorder: evidence from transcriptome studies points to intriguing parallels with multiple sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 45:37-47. [PMID: 21310238 PMCID: PMC3117935 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression studies of bipolar disorder (BPD) have shown changes in transcriptome profiles in multiple brain regions. Here we summarize the most consistent findings in the scientific literature, and compare them to data from schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The transcriptome profiles of all three disorders overlap, making the existence of a BPD-specific profile unlikely. Three groups of functionally related genes are consistently expressed at altered levels in BPD, SZ and MDD. Genes involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function are downregulated, genes involved in immune response and inflammation are upregulated, and genes expressed in oligodendrocytes are downregulated. Experimental paradigms for multiple sclerosis demonstrate a tight link between energy metabolism, inflammation and demyelination. These studies also show variabilities in the extent of oligodendrocyte stress, which can vary from a downregulation of oligodendrocyte genes, such as observed in psychiatric disorders, to cell death and brain lesions seen in multiple sclerosis. We conclude that experimental models of multiple sclerosis could be of interest for the research of BPD, SZ and MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Konradi
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Borjabad A, Morgello S, Chao W, Kim SY, Brooks AI, Murray J, Potash MJ, Volsky DJ. Significant effects of antiretroviral therapy on global gene expression in brain tissues of patients with HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002213. [PMID: 21909266 PMCID: PMC3164642 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has reduced morbidity and mortality in HIV-1 infection; however HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist despite treatment. The reasons for the limited efficacy of ART in the brain are unknown. Here we used functional genomics to determine ART effectiveness in the brain and to identify molecular signatures of HAND under ART. We performed genome-wide microarray analysis using Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 Arrays, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry in brain tissues from seven treated and eight untreated HAND patients and six uninfected controls. We also determined brain virus burdens by real-time PCR. Treated and untreated HAND brains had distinct gene expression profiles with ART transcriptomes clustering with HIV-1-negative controls. The molecular disease profile of untreated HAND showed dysregulated expression of 1470 genes at p<0.05, with activation of antiviral and immune responses and suppression of synaptic transmission and neurogenesis. The overall brain transcriptome changes in these patients were independent of histological manifestation of HIV-1 encephalitis and brain virus burdens. Depending on treatment compliance, brain transcriptomes from patients on ART had 83% to 93% fewer dysregulated genes and significantly lower dysregulation of biological pathways compared to untreated patients, with particular improvement indicated for nervous system functions. However a core of about 100 genes remained similarly dysregulated in both treated and untreated patient brain tissues. These genes participate in adaptive immune responses, and in interferon, cell cycle, and myelin pathways. Fluctuations of cellular gene expression in the brain correlated in Pearson's formula analysis with plasma but not brain virus burden. Our results define for the first time an aberrant genome-wide brain transcriptome of untreated HAND and they suggest that antiretroviral treatment can be broadly effective in reducing pathophysiological changes in the brain associated with HAND. Aberrantly expressed transcripts common to untreated and treated HAND may contribute to neurocognitive changes defying ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Borjabad
- Molecular Virology Division, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Susan Morgello
- Department of Pathology and Neuroscience, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Wei Chao
- Molecular Virology Division, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Human Genomics Laboratory, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Andrew I. Brooks
- Department of Genetics, Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Jacinta Murray
- Department of Pathology and Neuroscience, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mary Jane Potash
- Molecular Virology Division, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David J. Volsky
- Molecular Virology Division, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive dysfunction of specific populations of neurons, determining clinical presentation. Neuronal loss is associated with extra and intracellular accumulation of misfolded proteins, the hallmarks of many neurodegenerative proteinopathies. Major basic processes include abnormal protein dynamics due to deficiency of the ubiquitin-proteosome-autophagy system, oxidative stress and free radical formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired bioenergetics, dysfunction of neurotrophins, 'neuroinflammatory' processes and (secondary) disruptions of neuronal Golgi apparatus and axonal transport. These interrelated mechanisms lead to programmed cell death is a long run over many years. Neurodegenerative disorders are classified according to known genetic mechanisms or to major components of protein deposits, but recent studies showed both overlap and intraindividual diversities between different phenotypes. Synergistic mechanisms between pathological proteins suggest common pathogenic mechanisms. Animal models and other studies have provided insight into the basic neurodegeneration and cell death programs, offering new ways for future prevention/treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Kenyongasse, Vienna, Austria.
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Jellinger KA. Recent advances in our understanding of neurodegeneration. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009; 116:1111-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-009-0240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Brain inflammation and adult neurogenesis: the dual role of microglia. Neuroscience 2008; 158:1021-9. [PMID: 18662748 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 565] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2008] [Revised: 06/18/2008] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the adult mammalian brain, neurogenesis from neural stem/progenitor cells continues in two regions: the subgranular zone in the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone lining the lateral ventricles. The generated neuroblasts migrate to their appropriate location and differentiate to mature granule cells and olfactory bulb interneurons, respectively. Following injury such as stroke, neuroblasts generated in the subventricular zone migrate also into areas which are not normally neurogenic, e.g. striatum and cerebral cortex. In the initial studies in rodents, brain inflammation and microglia activation were found to be detrimental for the survival of the new hippocampal neurons early after they had been born. The role of inflammation for adult neurogenesis has, however, turned out to be much more complex. Recent experimental evidence indicates that microglia under certain circumstances can be beneficial and support the different steps in neurogenesis, progenitor proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation. Here we summarize the current knowledge on the role of inflammation and in particular of microglia in adult neurogenesis in the intact and injured mammalian brain. We conclude that microglia activation, as an indicator of inflammation, is not pro- or antineurogenic per se but the net outcome is dependent on the balance between secreted molecules with pro- and antiinflammatory action.
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